NFL Investigation Shows Patriots Most Likely Deflated Footballs

An investigation by the NFL that was released on Wednesday stated that employees for the New England Patriots most likely deflated the footballs that were used the 2014 AFC Championship against the Broncos. Moreover, the investigation found possible evidence that quarterback Tom Brady was probably “at least generally aware” of the violation to the rules.

On January 18, 2015, the league started investigating after the Patriots won the AFC Championship against the Broncos with a score of 45-7. Officials from the Broncos claimed that most of the footballs used by the Patriots were under inflated. The NFL confirmed this claim, stating 11 of the 12 footballs were under the limit of 12.5 pounds per square inch (psi).

Som quaarterbacks prefer less pressure in the ball so that it is easier to grip and throw. The NFL rules require that each football between 12.5 and 13.5 psi. Brady stated that he prefers footballs to be inflated only to 12.5 psi.

According to the NFL, there was probable evidence that the officials locker room attendant, Jim McNally, and equipment assistant for the team, John Jastremski, deliberately under inflated the footballs after they were measured by a referee. As well, text messages were found to be sent between the two and Brady that inferred that he requested the footballs to be deflated to under 12.5 psi. Though, the report showed that coach Bill Belichick and others in management did not know of the under inflation of the footballs.